Record

Replica of the Hunterston brooch

Replica of the Hunterston brooch

This picture is one of a series showing a replica of the Hunterston Brooch being fastened to a man's garment. Made around 700, the silver gilt brooch with amber settings is one of the finest products of its time. It was found at Hunterston in Ayrshire.

The brooch is richly decorated with panels of gold filigree. There are settings for amber mounts, most of which are missing on the original. The composition of the pin matches the body of the brooch.

From contemporary Irish law tracts we know that men wore such brooches across the shoulder, while women wore them on the breast. Such an accomplished and lavish brooch could only have been a mark of high status.